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“But only if you promise to be my taste tester for life.”
“Life filled with your baked goods?” I pretend to consider, then nod solemnly. “I accept the terms and conditions.”
“Sounds like a plan, Caleb Mercer,” Piper says, her expression a blend of hope and determination.
“Sounds like our future, Piper Griffin,” I respond, and nothing has ever felt more certain.
Epilogue
Caleb
Six months later
“Do you have everything you need from me?” I ask Marjorie.
As soon as I came back from Rustic Ridge, I decided it was time to hire someone. Marjorie has been an executive assistant to some big names for over thirty years and has helped take some of the workload off me. We make a great team, and she’s even spent time with Piper when she’s come to Chicago.
“I wish you would let me take on more tasks for you,” Marjorie says with a concerned mom expression. “You’re hardly ever in town these days, and I’m more than willing to do additional administrative work. I can tell that you carry a lot on those broad shoulders of yours.”
“I promise I’m letting go of things as quickly as I can,” I try to assure her. “You’re doing amazing, but delegation is still something I’m getting used to.”
“Fair enough,” she responds. “I have everything prepared for your next trip back to Chicago, including the focus group for the new clinical trial—where I hope we get to celebrate a major milestone.” She gives me a sly grin.
“Do you know something I don’t?” I ask, wondering how she found out my plan. I thought I had kept it under wraps.
“You pay me to be your eyes and ears everywhere.” She gives a knowing wink. “Just know I’m praying she says ‘yes.’”
“You and me both,” I mutter and turn to head toward the elevator.
As I step into the elevator, my cell phone chimes.
Mia
Well?
Me
On schedule *thumbs up*
Mia
Good, because Evelyn has called me three times already
Evelyn came around to accepting me even more when she saw how often I was traveling back to Rustic Ridge. It’s been hard, but it’s been worth it. Piper is worth it. She’s my priority and my grandfather as well. He’s been baked (pun intended) right into Piper’s family, and they all have the best time together. I’m grateful he’s part of a wonderful, caring community that can be there for him when I’m unable to be.
My phone buzzes again as I glance at the caller ID.
“Hi,” I say to my grandfather. “How’s Gizmo?”
“You know he loves it here at my house, and I think one of these return trips he’s going to tell Piper he wants to stay,” he mutters happily, as a little yapping in the background emphasizes his point. “Are you on your way back?”
“I’ll be picking Piper up at the hotel, and we’ll be on the way to the airfield shortly.”
“How did she enjoy the city?”
“She’s happy to see my work, the museums, and, of course, check out the local bakeries. But her heart and home is Rustic Ridge, so I’m sure she is impatient to get back.”
“Fair enough, we’re all waiting on pins and needles here,” he gushes. “Love you, Son. See you soon,” he says and disconnects before I can get a word in edgewise.
